Yarn Speak: Which Wool?
Exploring the features, benefits and limitations of different fibres is something that we have been studying since our family began working with textiles in 1907. It’s a lifetime’s work and it has taken 4 generations so far to amass the knowledge and experience that we have – and it’s fair to say that we’re still learning. A large part of our role as yarn manufacturers is about experimentation and innovation, so that we can offer our customers with the best and most up to date processes and products.
As worsted spinners we work with long staple fibres, and our preference is always for natural and, where possible, British fibres. Natural fibres are significantly more expensive than synthetic alternatives, so cost is a consideration for us and our customers. Most of the yarns that we produce for brands, fashion labels, carpet manufacturers, weavers, machine knitters and hand dyers have wool as the carrier, that is to say the main fibre. We also use British alpaca, baby alpaca from Peru, mohair, silk, and a little bit of polyester, nylon and other synthetic fibres especially as binders for our fancy yarns or necessary added durability for sock yarns, for example.
We take time to consider the end use of a yarn, the final product that a fibre will become, how it will be used, its intended lifespan and the expectations of its functionality, performance, and longevity. When selecting the fibre, its country of origin and provenance are important, and wherever possible we will purchase wool fibre from the UK, via the British Wool auction in Bradford (which is located approximately 5 miles up the road from our factory in Baildon, West Yorkshire).
Even within wool fibre, different sheep breeds have vastly differing characteristics, so we draw upon our decades of knowledge to decide on a blend of particular breeds that will provide the best performance for a specific yarn. When we blend fibres together we are able to maximise each one’s individual attributes to create a unique yarn.
Our byLaxtons Sheepsoft yarn is a blend of 2 British wools. We set out to create a yarn for handknitting with a soft hand-feel and a good stitch definition that would wear well in garments that become future heirlooms. Bluefaced Leicester is the cashmere of British sheep breeds, it has a low micron and a luxurious softness that is immediately recognisable to the touch, and a subtle sheen visible in the final knit. But the British clip each year is limited and the fleece is expensive, so we chose to blend it with a higher micron Masham wool which adds the durability and affordability without compromising the softness.
Discover Sheepsoft here.
